Electrical connector



Sept 4, 1951 F. L. PARsoNs 2,566,993

.ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed Oct. 28, 1948 /oz /36 [76 /62 ,84 760 13o 168 AIN VEN TOR.

FREDERKJK L PARSONS c, 72 M 106 A TTORNEX Patented Sept. 4, 1951 AUNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Frederick L. Parsons, Upper Montclair, N. J.

Application October 28, 1948, Serial No. 56,939

1 Claim. l This invention relates to electrical connectors. In particular this invention is directed to plug-in connectors of improved construction; and its principal objects are to provide for one-handed quick action connection and disconnection, tight .holding and positive engagement, which is resistant to dislodgment due to vibration and the like, superior Yelectricaly conductivity, and high degree of sealing lagainst water penetration and electrical leakage.

The principal objects, as Well as other objects and advantages of the invention will become evident from the following description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings:

Fig. l is a View, partly in'cross-section and partially broken away, of an embodiment of the invention (shown not fullyengaged) providing for a single prong plug-in connection, the base of the connector being adapted for permanent aixation to a supporting body.

Fig. 2 is a cross-section kof a two-prong plug-in embodiment of, the invention (shown not fully engaged) the baseof the connector likewise being adapted for permanent aflixation to a support.

Fig. 3 is a cross-section of'a further embodiment of the invention (shown not fully engaged) providing vfor two-prong. plug-in connection, and adapted for the juncture of two free wires. or

Acables.

Fig. 4 is a. view partially broken away and partially in cross-section, showing the connector of Fig. l in closed and 1ocked position.

Fig. 5 is a view partially broken away and partially in section, showing Ythe connector of Fig; 2 I' in closed and locked position.

Referring now to Fig. l, the numeral AIll designates one member of the connector andthe numeral I2 the complementary memberfone of said members having the prong or pin andA the other the complementary female element -into which the prong is inserted.

The member ID comprises a tube I4, of metal or other appropriate material, having a bore I6. Tube I4, terminates at the rear in a ange I8. A

cylindrical linsulator 20, of resilient material such vas rubber or other suitable material, is positioned within bore I6. A conductive element 22, set Within the insulator 2Q, terminates inl an externally extending prong or pin 24. The opposite end of element 22'may be provided with a bore 25, within which is secured, by soldering or other appropriate means, the bared end of a Wire 21.

The member I2 comprises a tube 39, of metal or other appropriate material, having a front within insulator 3-8, and terminates forwardly in a female section 42 (adapted to engage prong 22), and rearwardly is provided with a bore 44, within which is secured, by soldering or the like, the bared end of la wire 45. The rear end of tube 3D, has external threads 4S, to receive the 'knurled nut 48, which securely locks the assemblage of 'insulator 38, the sheathing 49 of the wire 45, and

the tube 30, together. The locking will be more particularly described below.- The forward end of tube 30, is constricted, and said tube is pro'- vided with a plurality of longitudinal slots 53. The slots form in effect, a plurality of concentrically arranged spring-like elements 52, whereby the same can be sprung outward and therebybe slipped over tube I4. These spring-like elements securely hold the tube I4, by the engagement of the grips 54, within the peripheral channel or groove 56, at the base of tube I4, adjacent to the flange IIB. A' slidabl'e collar 6B, of-r'esilient material, is mounted onv the tube 3B. The forward end 64, of collar 6B, has a molded lip of small diameter thatwill snap into the groove formed by Ithe outer surface of grip 54', as shown in Fig. 4. A metal ring 62, is set Within the rear of the collar 69. This rigid ring, when in locked positionV (Fig. 4) will not allow elements 52, to be sprung out of the recess or groove 55, and thus the elements 20 and 30 are locked together.

Referring now more particularly to the details of construction of the connector, it'will be seen that the rear end of insulator 2D, is ared Aout as at 6'8, the flared portion setting within the recess 10, at the base of the flange I8. v'Ihe'forward end of insulator 20, is bevelled as at 12. Insulator 38, is bevelled at the rear end so as to provide a seat for ring 14, of metal or other appropriate material, the inner face of said ring being angularly disposed so as to be set properly. Tho forward end of the insulator 38, is provided Vwith a lip 16, which sits against the bevel 12.

)the flared portion at the base of the insulator 2c, will spread out and thus provide a tight seal between the member II] and the structure to which it is aiiixed, and also resiliently locate insulator with respect to member I8. The forward end of tube I4, is bevelled as at 82 to allow for the easier passage thereover of the grips 54.

In assembling the member I2 with a wire, the nut 48, and the ring 14, are slipped over the insulated wire. The bared end of the wire is positioned within the bore 44, of element 40, and soldered thereto. This assembly is now positioned in bore of insulator 38, and is set within the tube 30, the lower end of the insulator being seated against shoulder 36. The ring 14, is then seated on the bevel of insulator 3-8, and the nut 48, screwed on threads 46, until the assemblage is tightly fastened. The collar 60, may then be slipped over the tube 30, and brought to rest against the nut.

To make a connection between members and I2, the latter (i2), with the slidable collar positioned as in Fig. l, is sprung over tube 14, and the motion continued until the grips 54, snap into the groove 56. In this position insulator 36, is .pressed against forward face of insulator 20, lthus vproducing a tight seal. The tension is maintained because the rear end of insulator 26, has been displaced or compressed, as shown in Fig. 4, by the joiningmotion of unit I2 to unit I0. 1f itis desired to lock the elements I0 and I2 together, the .slidable collar is then moved into the position shown in Fig. 4 and the joinder thus locked.

To separate .member l2 from .member I0, the shoulder 90, of collar 60, may be grasped between `cnes .lingers and brought rearwardly, thus releasing the grips 54. Continued pulling on the collar, now buttng .against the nut, results in disengagingthe grips from the channel 56, and the member I2 can .be Withdrawn from engagement with member i0. v

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated Fig. 2, it will be observed that the structure in its basic aspects is similar to that of Fig. l, diiering therefrom (a) in the provision of two or more `prongs instead of one; .and (b) in the form of the locking colla-r. This modification comprises the complementary vmembers |00 and |02. Member |00 comprises a tube |04, having a bore |06, which kterminates in a ange |08. A cylindrical in- `s-ulator H6, is positioned within lthe bore |06.

Two conductive elements, ||2, similar to element .22, are set within the insulator I I0. The rear end of insulator |20 is flared out es at `I i4. and sets within the recess I I6, in the base of the ange |08. The forward end of the tube |04, is bevelled as at I8, and grooved peripherally es at |210.: the bevel and the groove function similarly to those -of Fig. l.

y Member |02 comprises the tube |22, having a forward -bore |24, anda rear bore |26, said bores being separated from each other by shoulder |28. A cylindrical insulator |30, is set within tube |22, the base |32 of the insulator being of enlarged diameter, and its forward end |34, being seated against the shoulder |28. Two female conductive elements |36, similar to element 40, are set lengthwise within the insulator I 30, and are positioned so as to receive the prongs or pins of elements I-|2. An insulating separator |38, having two holes in registery with elements |36, is seated against the base |32. A circular insulator |40, of. resilient material, beve'lled rearwardly as a-t |42,is seated against the separato-r |38. A metal ring I 44, the inner face of which is angularly disposed, as at I 46, is seated against the bevel |42.v The rear end of tube |22, is threaded as at .|48 to receive the hnurled nut |50. Tube |22. is

4 constricted at its forward end and provided with a plurality of longitudinal slits |52, thus forming a plurality of spring-like elements |54. The slidable locking collar |60, made of metal or the like, is provided with an internal annular groove |6I, within which is set a split ring I 62.

In assembling member |02 and wires attached thereto, the operation may be carried out as follows: The nut |50, the ring |44, and the in- .sulator |40, are slipped over the insulation of the two-wire conductor |64, and the ends |66 and |68, of each wire bared. The bared end of each such wire is then passed through one of the holes soldered thereto.

.of separator |38, and inserted in the bores |10, on conductive elements |36, and soldered thereto. The insulator`I30, is then inserted in tube |22. and the nut |50, screwed thereon until the assemblage is tightly fastened. The locking collar |60, is then slipped over the tube |22.

Member |00 may be .assembled and positioned as follows.: The bared ends |12, of .two wires .are each set within the bores |14, of elements I2,and Then theinsulator |110, with the `wire affixed thereto, is silpped into the tube |04, and the flange |08, fastened to a supportas by screws, rivets or the like |16, through the holes |18. The prongs |80, of element II'2, are in registry with the female section of elements |36.

To make a connection between members `|00 and |02, the latter (with the locking collar |06, in the retracted position shown in Fig. 2) is slipped over the tube |04, and the motion con-- tinued until the grips, |82, slip into and become engaged within the `peripheral groove |20. Then the locking collar |60, is moved into the position shown in Fig. 5, with the Aresultant contraction of the split ring |62, thereby securely engaging the grips |82 in the groove.

To separate member |02 from its Joinder with member |00, the shoulder |84, of the locking collar I 60,` may be grasped between ones fingers and the locking collar thus brought rearwardly until it comes into engagement with the nut, thereby releasing the grips. Continued pulling on the collar, now seated against the nut. results in the complete disengagement of the grips from the groove, and member |04 is readily Withdrawn from engagement with member |00.

Referring now to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3, it Will be observed that the structure in its basic aspects is similar to that of Fig. 2, differing therefrom in that both members are used for the joinder of two free Wires. This modification comprises the complementary members 200 and |02. `Member 200 comprises .the tube 204, having a forward bore 206, and a rear bore 208, of larger diameter than bore 206. The external rear end of the tube 204, is threaded as at 2|0. Set within the bore 206, is a cylindrical insulator 2'I2, the rear end of which is flanged to be seated Within the rear bore .208, and be held in position by the shoulder 2 I4. Set lengthwise within the insulator 2I2 are-conductive elements '2|6, the forward end of said elements terminating in pins 2 I8, and the rear ends being bored as at 220 to receive the bared ends 222 and 223, of wires. Seated against the base of the insulator is an insulating separator 224, and positioned rearwardlythereto is the bevelled angular insulator 226. Seated against the bevelled side of said angular insulator is a ring of metal 230, the inner face of which is angularly disposed. A knurled nut 232, is screwed on to the tube 204.

In assembling member 200, the nut '232, the

securely held tightly engaged. so as to insure ring 230, and the angular insulator 226, are J slipped over the insulating sheathing of the two-wire cable 234. The free ends 222 and 223 of the wire, are passed through the holes of the insulating separator 224, and positioned within the bores 2'20, of the conductive elements and soldered thereto. The cylindrical insulator 2|2, with the Wires connected thereto, is then slipped into the tube 204 until it comes to rest against c' the shoulder 2|4. Then the nut 232, is screwed on to the tube 204, until the assemblage is tightly fastened. To make a connection between members 200 and |02, the former is grasped with one hand and the latter with the other, the locking collar |60, being in retracted position as shown in Fig. 3. The tube |04, is slipped over the tube 204, and the motion continued until the grips |82. are securely engaged within the peripheral channel 240, of tube 204. The collar |60, is then moved forwardly until the split ring thereof contracts and encircles the grips |82.

To separate member |02 from 2'00, member 200 is grasped with one hand and the shoulder of the locking collar grasped between the ngers of the other hand, bringing the latter rearwardly and thus releasing the grips. Continued pulling on the collar, now seated against the nut, results in the complete disengagement of the grips from the peripheral groove, with resulting separation of the members from each other.

It will be observed that the telescoping complementary members of the connectors hereinabove described, when joined together, provide complete and positive locking therebetween, so that they are secure against dislodgment resulting from vibration and other disturbing means. It will also be noted that when the telescoping members of the connector are snapped together, in order fully and effectively to close them, the insulators, within which are set the contact elements, undergo compression and travel back with resultant distortion, as shown for example in Fig. 4. Thus, the longitudinal dimensions of the insulators are such that their combined length when the telescopable members are disconnected is greater than their combined length when the said members are telescoped and locked together. The tolerances and clearances are oi such dimensions that the two insulators can be placed under eflective compression so as fully to seal the connector against Water penetration and electrical leakage. A particular advantage of my connector is that engagement or disengagement can be effected with one hand, which makes this connector especially adaptable for mounting in conned spaces. It will further be observed that as a result of the secure engagement of the telescoping members with each other, the conductive contact elements are likewise effective electrical connection between them. It will further be noted that the internal insulation of these connectors is so complete as to provide positive sealing of the contact elements against penetration by water and electrical leakage. It is apparent that this invention can be used for purposes other than electrical connectors, as. for example, hydraulic couplings, pneumatic couplings, and the like. In these uses the vgasket and sealing ring arrangements may be altered in conventional ways to adapt my connector to the use to which it will be put.

It will be understood that the embodiments hereinabove described are but illustrative of the vmanner of accomplishing this invention and, accordingly, that the appended claim is to be understood as defining the invention within the full spirit and scope thereof.

I claim:

An electrical connector comprising: a pair of inner and outer telescoping tubular members each housing, in registry, at least one of a pair of sealed telescoping contact elements, the outer tubular member comprising concentrically and longitudinally disposed springs, the free ends of said springs being inturned; a peripheral groove on the surface of the inner tubular member forming a recess for engaging the inturned ends of said springs, the diameter of the outer telescoping member at the point of inturnment of the springs being approximately equal, to the diameter of the peripheral groove of the inner telescoping member, a slidable c-ollar on the outer tubular member, the collar including Varigid ring set within a larger ring of extensible Inaterial, the rigid ring being set at the sideopposite the free ends of the springs, whereby the extensible material holds the inturned ends of the springs in engagement with the groove when set therein.

FREDERICK L. PARSONS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 965,684 Bierce et al July 26, 1910 1,315,484 Fesler Sept. 9, 1919 2,177,509 Abbott Oct. 24, 1939 2,291,793 Chandler Aug. 4, 1942 2,379,942 Webber July 10, 1945 2,409,650 Wiggins Oct. 22, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 342,467 France of 1904 

